Pussy Hat Knitting Site – Ravelry – Bans Trump Support

That one of the websites which came up with, popularised, the pussy hat doesn’t like Donald Trump should be obvious. That Ravelry has gone on to ban any mention of support for Trump from its forums might seem a little more extreme. The reason given is not the usual Orange Man Bad either. It’s that support for Trump is objectively white supremacy. Which is probably reading a little more – or less if you prefer – into his political stances than is actually merited.

We are banning support of Donald Trump and his administration on Ravelry. We cannot provide a space that is inclusive of all and also allow support for open white supremacy. More details: https://t.co/hEyu9LjqXa

It’s possible to think that this is a tad oversensitive really. And presumably the ban on communists calling for the elimination of the bourgeiosie as a class is coming real soon now.

Of course, any business can ban any form of speech it likes. Restrict entry, commenting, the offering of any service or good at all to whoever and whomever on whatever grounds it desires. Well, that’s the proper liberal view at least. It’s just that it’s not the progressive liberal view is it? The same people who are here banning stated support for Trump will be first to the barricades to insist that a baker must make a cake for a gay wedding.

But then logic and politics have never been good bedfellows, have they?

On Sunday, administrators for Ravelry, a site for knitters, crocheters, designers and anyone dabbling in the fibre arts, said that they were making any expression of support for Trump and his administration in forum posts, patterns, on their personal profile pages or elsewhere permanently off limits.

We cannot provide a space that is inclusive of all and also allow support for open white supremacy. Support of the Trump administration is undeniably support for white supremacy.

Can’t say that we’ve seen Trump gatherin’ them up, from miles around, and keeping – well, it’s not even possible to quote Randy Newman on the subject these days, is it?

As a business decision it’s entirely up to them. Given that Trump does seem to be supported by about half the country I wouldn’t have called it a wise call but their gaff, their rules. And it’s even true that there’s a lot wrong with the Trump Administration. Just that active white supremacy doesn’t seem to be one of them – that is, they’re not that, not that such wouldn’t be a bad idea.

Tim has written for most of the British newspapers. The Times, Daily Telegraph, Express, Independent, Guardian and even, as a ghostwriter, for the Daily Sport. That last being the real badge of honour of course. He's also written for a number of American papers, The WSJ, NYT, Philadelphia Inquirer, Washington Post, Washington Examiner.
Magazine work includes some years at Forbes Online and The Register. Takimag, PandoDaily, CapX, Adam Smith Institute, and there is more out there available to the dedicated searcher.